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My newborn puppy cries a lot while nursing and resting. What's wrong?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

New born puppy cries a lot, While nursing and resting. He doesn't cry for a long period of time, but I noticed he's the only one that cries the most.

3 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

Veterinarian

Published on March 10th, 2017

Excessive crying can be a sign of a health issue, so I would have him seen by a vet immediately (take along his mother and siblings as well). Newborn puppies are extremely fragile, and very susceptible to cold and low blood sugar, so any potential problems with them need to be check out by a vet right away to give them their best chance at survival. His crying could signify problems in feeding (not getting enough milk), cold, or low blood sugar. Please take him into an ER vet or find a vet on call to see him now.
Vote Icon1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

  • Answered By Dr. Elizabeth

    Veterinarian

    Published on April 1st, 2019

    Some crying is normal but it's hard to say if this is normal or a sign of discomfort without being able to examine to puppies and know if they are gaining weight. You should be weighing each puppy daily. Here is a helpful link:
    https://www.petcoach.co/article/caring-for-newborn-puppies-their-mother/

    Hopefully this is all normal and congrats on the babies! Best of luck and please feel free to post any additional questions.

    Vote Icon

    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

  • Answered By Andrea M. Brodie, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on April 14th, 2018

    It is quite normal for them not to cry if they are happy and satisfied (not hungry) and well taken care of by their mummy. Puppies will usually only cry when they are unhappy, hungry, cold, or miss their mommy. So it sounds like everything is perfect!

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    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Smart Picks for Smart Questions

Vet Q & A
Why is my 5-day-old newborn puppy crying and refusing to nurse?
Poor Mojo! He could be crying because he is hungry or cold, but without seeing him in person, I can't say for certain. I can say that newborn puppies are extremely fragile, and whenever there is problems with them, they have to see a vet immediately in order for them to have the best chance of survival. I would take Mojo into a vet right away for medical treatment.
Updated on September 23rd, 2025
Food & Nutrition
Why is my newborn puppy crying constantly and stressing its mother?
Puppies usually cry when they are hungry or cold. Make sure she is latching and that mama dog has milk. Also open the puppies mouth and make sure the roof of the mouth looks normal- and no cleft palate. You may need to go buy puppy milk replacer and bottles. Make sure the ambient temperature is high 70s as well. Best of luck and thank you for using Pet Coach.
Updated on September 23rd, 2025
Vet Q & A
Why is my 5-day-old puppy crying constantly? What should I do?
When puppies that young cry constantly like that, it's a sign that something is wrong with them, such as they are very cold or very hungry. Make sure the puppy is warm, and give it a teaspoon of honey or Karo syrup to prevent it from becoming hypoglycemic. Have the puppy, along with Lexi and his littermates, seen by a vet ASAP.
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Why is my 7-week-old puppy crying so much and acting sad?
Young puppies will whine or vocalize when cold, hungry, sick, injured or if left alone for long periods of time. You can make sure he is fed, warm and has company. To diagnose illness or injury, he would need to be physically examined by your veterinarian.
Updated on September 23rd, 2025
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Why is my week-old puppy weak, has diarrhea, and cries constantly?
Constant crying can be a sign of failure to thrive in a puppy. If this is the only puppy with diarrhea it could be a concern as well. I’d recommend having your vet examine the puppy to determine what might be going on. They might recommend medications or this pup may need to be supplemented with a bottle to make sure he is getting enough nutrition.
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Why is my 8-day-old puppy lethargic, not gaining weight, and crying?
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Why are my 27-day-old puppies crying when I move them from their box?
Puppies cry when they want something like to eat or attention, or possibly to go outside. They are a little young to know how to be properly potty trained. I would make sure the mom is nursing then properly and everyone is properly gaining weight. I would make sure there isn't another reason they could be crying. With them being so young, I would be careful letting them spend too much time in the environment because they are at high risk for different illnesses since their immune system is weak and they haven't had their shots. I hope this helps. If it doesn't directly answer what you need to know, please write back with a more specific question. Thank you!
Updated on September 23rd, 2025

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